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Pandya blitz powers India to T20 series win over South Africa

Hardik Pandya led India’s batting assault with his 16-ball 50 to set up a 30-run win over South Africa and clinch the series 3-1 in the fifth T20I on Friday.

A punishing 105-run fourth partnership between Pandya, who hammered 63 off off 25 balls, and Tilak Varma (73) swept India to 231-5 at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

In reply, South Africa started strongly thanks to a 35-ball 65 by Quinton de Kock, who played his 100th T20 for the national team, but the opener’s departure triggered a collapse, and the Proteas ended on 201-8.

The win sealed India’s eighth consecutive T20 series triumph, a streak that began in December 2023.

South Africa began the tour with a stunning 2-0 triumph in the Test series, but the white-ball contests proved disappointing as they also lost the one-day series 2-1.

Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah returned figures of 2-17, including the key wicket of De Kock, who chipped a yorker straight back to him. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy took four wickets, bowling Donovan Ferreira and George Linde.

The series was part of the build-up for the T20 World Cup, which starts in February in India and Sri Lanka.

Put into bat after the fourth match was abandoned due to fog in Lucknow, Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma started briskly before Pandya tore into the opposition attack.

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Seam bowler Corbin Bosch cut short left-handed Abhishek’s knock on 34, and Samson fell for 37, bowled off left-arm spinner Linde.

India lost their third wicket when skipper Suryakumar Yadav got out for five to extend his lean run with the bat.

T20 specialist Suryakumar has managed just 244 runs across his last 22 innings in this format with no fifties.

Pandya walked in and smacked Bosch for a six to signal his intent with the bat, and in the next over, hammered Linde for two sixes and two fours.

The middle-order batter registered India’s second-fastest T20 fifty, behind Yuvraj Singh’s record of a 12-ball half-century in 2007.

The left-handed Varma also impressed with is clean hitting, but Pandya’s carnage that included five fours and five sixes stole the show.

Pandya finally fell to Ottneil Baartman, and Varma got run out on the penultimate ball, but the pair helped India get 116 runs from the last eight overs.

Vice-captain Shubman Gill missed the match after he injured his right foot while batting in the nets in Lucknow.

In the South African chase, De Kock’s 51-run second-wicket partnership with Dewald Brevis, who made 31 off 17 balls, gave the Proteas hope, but regular wickets and rising asking rate proved too much.

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India-South Africa fourth T20I abandoned due to fog

LUCKNOW: The fourth T20I between India and South Africa has been called off due to excessive fog here on Wednesday.

The play was called off due to excessive fog, with conditions not conducive to play.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city remained in the 400s, a level considered hazardous. Due to this, umpires remained concerned about visibility and six inspections took place before play was finally called off.

With this, India will head into the final fixture already 2-1 up in the series, whereas South Africa will be hoping to draw level.

The final and fifth T20I will be played in Ahmedabad on 19 December, which will also conclude South Africa’s all-format tour of India.

For the unversed, India won the T20I series opener by 101 runs, followed by a dominant comeback win for South Africa in the second match.

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In the second T20I, the Proteas showcased their batting prowess and posted 213-4 in their 20 overs.

In reply, India were bowled out for 162-4 in 19.1 overs, thanks to a clinical bowling effort.

The Men in Blue bounced back with a seven-wicket victory after skittling South Africa for 117 in 20 overs.

The home side reached the target in 15.5 overs, losing only three wickets in the process, courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s 35 from 18, which was laced with three sixes and three fours.

Earlier, India clinched the ODI series 2-1 while South Africa started the tour with a 2-0 sweep in the Test series.

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Laura Wolvaardt’s ton powers South Africa to series win

GQEBERHA: Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus hit sparkling centuries to power South Africa women to a series victory over Ireland women here at the St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting 376, Ireland were bowled out for 301 in 47.5 overs.

Ireland started poorly in the chase as opener Sarah Forbes went without scoring. As a result, skipper Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter added 77 for the second wicket to put the chase back on track.

Lewis scored 45 off 52 with the help of eight fours. Following her wicket, Orla Prendergast and Amy Hunter kept Ireland in the hunt with a 93-run partnership.

The duo’s batting brought the scoring to 170 in 29.3 before Hunter’s removal dented the chase. Hunter managed to score 64 from 66 balls.

With the asking rate rising, it was already an uphill task for Irish batters despite Prendergast remaining battling out till the 40th over.

She was eventually dismissed for a well-made 97 from 86 balls, laced with 10 fours and two sixes.

For South Africa, Leah Jones remained the standout bowler, taking three wickets while Nondumiso Shangase and Miane Smit scalped two apiece.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, South Africa were 59-2 after the first 10 overs before a mammoth 179-run stand between Wolvaardt and Luss brought the score to 238 in 36.5 overs.

The partnership was eventually broken with Wolvaardt’s wicket, who made 124 from 119 balls laced with 19 fours.

Meanwhile, Luss forged another 117 with Dane van Niekerk, which propelled the score over the 350-run mark.

Sune Luss made 114 from 113, striking 13 fours and a six, while Niekerk unleashed a boundary barrage with a quick-fire 88 off just 47 balls. She hit 13 fours and three sixes in her power-packed knock.

For Ireland, Jane Maguire managed to scalp three wickets.

The third ODI will be played on 19 December in Johannesburg.

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Harmer bags ICC Player of the Month for November 2025

DUBAI: South Africa off-spinner Simon Harmer has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November 2025, following a series of stellar performances during his team’s Test tour of India.

Harmer was nominated alongside Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz and Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam to claim the prestigious award.

Harmer delivered outstanding performances in the Test series against India, taking 17 wickets at a mouthwatering average of 8.94.

His heroics played a vital role in the Proteas’ first 2-0 series win against India, marking South Africa’s first in India since 2000.

The 36-year-old Harmer broke the back of India’s batting lineup with eight wickets in the opening Test, followed by nine in the second to seal a historic series win, hence earning him the Player of the Series award.

Following the announcement, Harmer expressed gratitude and pride in the achievement.

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“It’s a privilege to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November,” ICC quoted Harmer.

“Playing for my country is a dream come true, and anything else that comes from it as a result is a bonus,” he remarked.

He further thanked the coaching staff and compatriots and felt proud to represent the South Africa team.

“I share this award with my teammates, coaches, and support staff and dedicate it to my family, who allow me to go out and live my dream, often having to leave them at home to do so.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Proteas team and I hope to enjoy many more successful seasons with this remarkable group of people,” Harmer concluded.

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Blow for India as key player ruled out of remaining South Africa T20Is

MUMBAI: Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as a replacement for India all-rounder Axar Patel for the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa.

The news was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a press release.

“He [Axar] is with the team in Lucknow [the venue for the fourth T20I], where he will be further medically assessed,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Axar Patel had also missed the third T20I fixture at Dharamsala, whereas he had modest outings in the opening two fixtures of the five-match series.

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In the opening match played at Cuttack, Axar managed to score 23 off 21 and returned with the bowling figures of 2 for 7.

On the contrary, he had a poor show in New Changigarh, where he picked up one wicket while giving away 27 in three overs. However, Axar’s batting came under the spotlight following a run-a-ball 21 after his promotion to the No.3 position.

Shahbaz Ahmed has represented India in three ODIs and two T20Is, with his last appearance coming in the final of the 2023 Asian Games against Afghanistan.

The fourth and fifth T20I is slated to commence on December 17 and 19 in Lucknow and Ahmedabad, respectively, with India leading the series 2-1.

India’s updated squad for last two T20Is

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed

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De Kock stars as South Africa level T20 series with big win

Opener Quinton de Kock hit a 46-ball 90 to set up South Africa’s convincing 51-run win over India in the second T20 international and level the series on Thursday.

De Kock’s knock, laced with five fours and seven sixes, powered South Africa to 213-4 after being invited to bat first on the outskirts of Chandigarh.

South Africa bowled out India for 162 in 19.1 overs despite Tilak Varma’s valiant 62 off 34 balls as the visitors pulled one back after they lost the opener of the five-match series.

The series is part of the build-up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

Medium-pace bowler Ottneil Baartman stood out with figures of 4-24.

The left-handed de Kock set the tone for the big win after he put on 83 runs for the second wicket with skipper Aiden Markram, who made 29.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy bowled opener Reeza Hendricks for eight on his first ball and later dismissed Markram after being hit for two sixes by the captain.

De Kock, who turns 33 on Wednesday, looked in control from the start as he hit left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh for two sixes in the bowlers’ first two overs.

The wicketkeeper-batter raised his 17th T20 half-century with a four off Hardik Pandya but missed out on his ton after being run out by his opposite number, Jitesh Sharma.

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Axar Patel removed Dewald Brevis for 14 before David Miller unleashed his fury with four boundaries off Jasprit Bumrah in a 15-run over and made an unbeaten 20.

Donovan Ferreira finished with a flourish in his unbeaten 30 as he hit Bumrah for two sixes in the 20th over.

In reply, Shubman Gill fell for a first-ball duck off Lungi Ngidi.

Left-arm quick Marco Jansen took down Abhishek Sharma, caught behind for 17, and India were in trouble when he had skipper Suryakumar Yadav out for five.

Varma and Axar Patel attempted to hit back with a string of boundaries, but Baartman broke through as India slumped to 67-4 inside eight overs.

Baartman cut short Axar’s knock on 21 off 21 balls with Hendricks taking a low catch at cover.

Varma kept up the charge and found support from Pandya, and then Sharma, but South Africa struck regular blows.

Lutho Sipamla sent back Pandya for 20 and Sharma for 27 as India’s chase fizzled out, and Varma was the last man out off Ngidi.

The third match is on Sunday in the Himalayan town of Dharamsala.

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Arshdeep Singh sets unwanted record with 13-ball over

NEW CHANDIGARH: India pacer Arshdeep Singh on Thursday registered an unwanted record after bowling a 13-ball over against South Africa in the second T20I here at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

The left-arm pacer’s mind-baffling 11th over of the match, which consisted of seven wide deliveries, yielded 18 runs.

With this, Arshdeed equalled the record of the longest over bowled in T20Is by a full-member nation player. Previously, Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq bowled a 13-ball over against Zimbabwe.

Longest over by a bowler in T20Is (Full-member nations)

Arshdeep Singh – 13 balls (18 runs) vs South Africa, New Chandigarh 2025
Naveen-ul-Haq – 13 balls (19 runs) vs Zimbabwe, Harare 2024
Sisanda Magala – 12 balls (18 runs) vs Pakistan, Johannesburg 2021
Mark Adair – 11 balls (26 runs) vs Australia, Brisbane 2022

The previous longest over by an Indian was 11 balls, bowled by Khaleel Ahmed and Hardik Pandya. Khaleel had bowled a 13-ball over in Pallekele against Sri Lanka in 2024, while Pandya created the ignominious record in Adelaide in 2016.

Longest over by an Indian bowler in T20Is

Arshdeep Singh – 13 balls (18 runs) vs South Africa, New Chandigarh 2025
Khaleel Ahmed – 11 balls (11 runs) vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele 2024
Hardik Pandya – 11 balls (19 runs) vs Australia, Adelaide 2016
Arshdeep Singh – 10 balls (13 runs) vs Ireland, New York 2024
Arshdeep Singh – 10 balls (6 runs) vs West Indies, Tarouba 2023

Nonetheless, South Africa posted a mammoth total of 213-4 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to ace batter Quinton de Kock’s sublime 90 off 46, laced with seven sixes and five fours.

For India, Varun Chakravarthy remained the pick of bowlers, scalping two wickets in his four overs while giving away only 29.

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South Africa clinch T20I series 2-0 after washout

BENONI: South Africa women clinched the three-match T20I series against Ireland women 2-0 after the final fixture was completely washed out here at the Willowmoore Park Stadium on Wednesday.

The game was abandoned without a toss due to weather conditions.

As a result, the Proteas clinched the series 2-0 after showcasing dominant performance in the opening two matches.

South Africa started the series opener with a 105-run victory in Cape Town.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt starred with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 115 from 56 balls, studded with four sixes and 15 boundaries. As a result, South Africa put on a daunting 220 run total on the board.

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In reply, Ireland’s batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for 118 in 18 overs.

The Proteas dominated in the second T20I as well, with the runs on the board after deciding to bat first. They racked up 201-5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Dane van Niekerk’s late flourish, who scored a brisk 41 from only 19 balls.

On the contrary, Ireland could only manage to score 136-3 in their allotted 20 overs.

For South Africa, Chloe Tryon remained the standout bowler, who picked up two wickets in her quota of four overs.

The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Ireland will begin on 13 December in East London.

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Jasprit Bumrah joins Shaheen Afridi in elite century list

CUTTACK: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday achieved a unique milestone during the first T20I against South Africa as he joined Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi in the 100-wickets club across all formats in international cricket.

Ahead of the first T20I, Bumrah stood at 99 T20I wickets in 80 matches.

The right-hander hit the landmark after scalping Dewald Brevis in the 10th over of the innings.

With this, the 30-year-old joined Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, New Zealand’s Tim Southee, and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan.

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Notably, he is the first Indian to take 100 wickets in all formats— T20I, ODI, and Tests.

India’s highest wicket-takers in T20Is:

Arshdeep Singh – 107 wickets
Jasprit Bumrah – 101 wickets
Hardik Pandya – 99 wickets
Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90 wickets

Overall, Bumrah has taken 234 wickets in 52 Tests, 149 in 89 ODIs, and 101 in 81 T20Is. Currently, Arshdeep Singh is leading the wickets chart for India in T20Is with 107 wickets to his name.

Bowlers To Take 100 Wickets in Each Format

Tim Southee: 391 Tests, 221 ODIs, 164 T20Is

Lasith Malinga: 101 Tests, 338 ODIs, 107 T20Is

Shaheen Afridi: 121 Tests, 135 ODIs, 126 T20Is

Shakib Al Hasan: 246 Tests, 317 ODIs, 149 T20Is

Jasprit Bumrah: 234 Tests, 149 ODIs, 101 T20Is

Nonetheless, India crushed South Africa by 101 runs in the T20I series opener played here at the Barabati Stadium.

Set 176 under lights, South Africa’s explosive batting line was skittled for 74 in only 12.3 overs, thanks to a clinical bowling display from the Men in Blue.

Hardik Pandya delivered an all-round performance on his return to the side. The ace all-rounder first propelled his side to a winning score with an unbeaten 58* from 29 balls.

Later on, he also chipped in the ball and picked up a wicket, completing the rout of the visitors, which also slumped them to their record lowest total in the limited overs format.

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Pandya stars as India rout South Africa in T20I series opener

CUTTACK: Hardik Pandya dazzled on his T20I return with an all-round display, leading India to a commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the first match of the T20I series here on Tuesday.

Set 176 under lights at Barabati Stadium, South Africa’s explosive batting line was skittled for 74 in only 12.3 overs, thanks to a clinical bowling display from the Men in Blue.

Arshdeep Singh provided India a top start with the prized wicket of Quinton de Kock, caught out on the second ball of the innings.

It was Arshdeep again who sent back Tristan Stubbs in the third over, reducing the Proteas to 16-2.

Stubbs was caught behind after hitting two boundaries in his 14 off nine.

India continued to pile on pressure with wickets at regular intervals as South Africa lost half of their side in the seventh over.

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The experienced middle-order comprising Aiden Markram and David Miller could not arrest the slide, as all of the Indian bowlers chipped in with wickets on their own.

Eventually, the visitor’s whole side was bowled out for a mere score.

For India, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel scalped two wickets apiece. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also managed to take one each.

Earlier, India racked up 175 for six in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s 59* from 28, which included four sixes and half a dozen boundaries.

South Africa put India on the ropes in the first 13 overs as the home side was reduced to 104-5.

However, Pandya, on his return after injury, turned the tide in India’s favor with a blistering knock, which not only lifted them out of trouble but propelled them to a winning total.

For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi starred with the ball and picked up three wickets in four overs. Lutho Sipamla remained the other notable contributor with two wickets to his name.

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